Books by Robert Robotham

Robert Robotham is a lifelong professional railwayman having joined British Rail in 1981. His interest in railways was inspired by watching the famous Annesley to Woodford 'Runners' or 'Windcutters' on the Great Central main line near his home city, Nottingham. The author of a number of railway books, with both Ian Allan and Colourpoint, Robert's interest extends to both British and Irish railways - the County Donegal being his favourite. Robert served with the Territorial Army, in Yeomanry regiments, for 22 years, but has now devoted most of his spare time to his family and friends. He now works for Railtrack Plc, following previous roles with InterCity, Red Star, Freightliner, Railfreight Petroleum and BR Telecomms. Robert would especially like to thank his friend Joe Curran for all his generous help with both County Donegal books. He would also like to thank Cherri, Jake, Georgie and Bertie for their support whilst writing this book. Joe Curran is an optometrist (retired) and a Fellow of the College of Optometrists. However, he has been a lifelong railway enthusiast and transport historian and has frequently been on radio. This enthusiasm owes something to the fact that he was a son of BL Curran, the last Manager and Secretary of the County Donegal Railway! He is also a former shareholder in the Strabane and Letterkenny Railway Company. Joe was closely involved with the CDR in its last years and has an unrivalled knowledge of its staff and operating practices. Two other members of Joe's family were closely involved with transport. His brother Leo Curran, FIMechE, a Chartered Engineer, was initially a junior engineer on the GNR at Dundalk. He then moved to the West Clare section of CIE, where he introduced railcars similar to CDR Nos 19 and 20. He later served on British Rail and in South Africa, before joining Harland and Wolff as Director of engine building. Another brother, Raymond, was formerly Road Transport Supervisor of the CDR and was closely involved in the Dr Cox scheme.